When tariff is no longer big issues for countries participating in global trade system as well-known as the World Trade Organization, non-tariff barriers to trade raised another concerns for traders around the globe. Fragmented simplifying cross border trade procedures was proposed to be collectively one single agreement WTO negotiations agenda. The conclusion on Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) has come into force on 22 February 2017 promising to add up global trade volume by 2.7 percent and world economy growth by 0.5 percent in 15-year-period. To catch up with this opportunity, Cambodian government decided to be one among two-third of WTO membership which ratified this agreement. This made this paper focus about.
This paper tends to find out the strength and weakness of Cambodia status in implementing TFA order to sort out prioritized policies. The implementation is costly at the beginning but the benefit is bigger. It is quite big burden to developing and LDC countries like Cambodia. Fortunately, technical assistance and supports are provided by development partners from international organizations such as the World Bank and other donor countries base on negotiation.
Using Korean performance as development milestone, Cambodia need to strengthen human resource quality especially in public sector i.e. government officers. At the same time, Cambodia need to speed up upgrading online platform and integrated system within ministries and government agencies; for instance, customs clearance under General Department of Customs and Exercise and import or exporting license under Ministry of Commerce while the Korea and some other countries have already stepped into fourth industrial revolution. Physical infrastructure is still main issues for channeling Cambodian products into global market. Since recent data shows that inadequate spending resulting from lack of critical study on the projects and policies. On the other hand, at the preliminary stage of value chain, Cambodia need policies with strong commitment in diversifying export products especially in agriculture sector. More effective managing aid for trade is needed. Attracting foreign investors with better or even advance technology will help add value added to Cambodia economy.